The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe is not a subtle vehicle. Its wild appearance turns heads everywhere, and its brute force and excellent handling put it near the top of the super car food chain.

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In the LP640 designation, “LP” stands for longitudinale posteriore, an Italian phrase that means the vehicle’s massive V12 engine is laid out north-south behind the cockpit. The “640” denotes the amazing 640 horsepower that engine produces.

Owners can show off the heart of their beast with an optional clear engine cover. Arch-rival Ferrari has offered similar transparent paneling as standard equipment on its mid-engine models for more than two decades.

A more-aggressive front bumper with reshaped air intakes and a large spoiler underneath distinguish the LP640 Coupe from the previous Murciélago. A redesigned rear diffuser encompasses twin exhaust pipes and keeps the vehicle stable at high speed.

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The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe has an extra intake just ahead of the driver’s-side rear wheel that channels cool air to the oil radiator. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in performance tires. Racing tires are optional.

• Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Vehicle Summary

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe has an electronically controlled adaptive suspension and six-speed manual transmission linked to a stronger rear differential and beefed-up axles. An automatic transmission that can be shifted manually, which Lamborghini calls “E-gear,” is optional. It offers a sport mode for split-second gear changes.

Massive brake discs — the front ones are roughly 15 inches in diameter — quickly slow the Murciélago down from any speed. Thicker carbon-ceramic brake discs are optional and designed to reduce brake fade, which is when brakes become less effective as the discs overheat from heavy use, such as on a racetrack.

Like the previous model, the Murciélago LP640 Coupe features exotic carbon-fiber body panels, a steel roof and doors that scissor open in signature Lamborghini style.

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The seats in the Murciélago LP640 Coupe have been redesigned for comfort and increased headroom. They incorporate quilted leather upholstery, as do the door inserts and ceiling. All Lamborghini cockpits can be customized with carbon-fiber trim as well as other special materials and finishes.

The Murcielago LP640 Coupe is the second-most powerful closed-roof model in the Lamborghini lineup, after the Reventon. “LP” stands for “longitudinale posteriore,” an Italian phrase that explains that the V12 engine is mounted longitudinally (that is, north-south) behind the driver. The “640” stands for its astounding 640-hp output. The Murcielago LP640 Coupe is radically styled and features doors that open vertically. Handling benefits from a fully independent, electronically controlled suspension and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. For the few wealthy buyers who can afford it and handle its power, the Murcielago LP640 Coupe is one of the quickest and most exotic coupes available.